TEMA, Ghana, 1st October: President John Dramani Mahama has expressed gratitude to Mercy Ships for its longstanding partnership with Ghana, recalling the organisation’s previous missions that have delivered thousands of surgeries and dental procedures in the country.
The current deployment of the Global Mercy marks Mercy Ships’ fifth visit to Ghana since its missions began in the country in 1991.
According to President Mahama, the organisation’s four previous visits resulted in more than 2,600 surgeries and 16,700 dental procedures, while supporting the development of 139 Ghanaian health professionals.
“We remember that past service with gratitude,” the President said during an inspection and tour of the Global Mercy.
He said the current mission provides another opportunity to reach Ghanaians who have waited for specialist medical care.
The Global Mercy is currently offering free specialised surgeries, including treatment for cataracts, cleft lips and palates, tumours and childhood orthopaedic conditions, as well as other treatable conditions.
President Mahama said the humanitarian work of Mercy Ships remains particularly important at a time when countries and individuals are increasingly becoming focused on their own interests.
“I believe that in this world where countries are becoming more selfish, people are becoming more selfish, it is about us,” he said.
He described Mercy Ships as a symbol of humanitarianism and thanked the organisation for continuing to provide specialised care to people who might otherwise struggle to access such treatment.
“Mercy Ships remains a floating vessel of what it is, mercy and humanism,” he said.
President Mahama also acknowledged the contribution of Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and other friends and partners of Mercy Ships who have helped sustain the organisation’s partnership with Ghana.
He thanked the ship’s donors, medical team, captain and crew, volunteers and Ghanaian partners for supporting the mission.
The President said the current deployment should not only be measured by the number of surgeries performed while the Global Mercy is in Ghana but also by the knowledge transferred to Ghanaian health professionals and the strengthening of the country’s healthcare system.
“This is not the first time you have been here and this is not going to be the last time Mercy Ships is coming here,” he said.
President Mahama formally welcomed Mercy Ships back to Ghana and called for the current visit to make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and the country’s health system.
“Ghana welcomes Mercy Ships. Let us make this visit count in the lives of our patients today and in the strength of our health systems for years to come,” he said.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭